Imperialism Flashcards
(43 cards)
What fueled fear at the prospect of WW2 in the Middle East?
The memory of WW1 and the famine and poverty it caused
The fear was that WW2 would bring more of the same hardships.
What were the main demands of the movements in Syria and Lebanon during the colonial period?
Political freedom, decent wages, education, and health care
These demands arose during a perceived weakening of colonial government.
How did the welfare state change in perception during the period of 1941-43?
Welfare became a right rather than a colonial paternalistic gift
The population began to provide for themselves instead of relying on the French.
What was the nature of the French rule in Syria and Lebanon?
It was centralized and imposed a ‘democracy’ in their image
The French wrote constitutions and selected electoral candidates.
When did the popular demand for a welfare state emerge in Syria and Lebanon?
In the 1930s
This demand was fueled by strikes and demonstrations.
What were the results of the French colonial policies in the 1930s?
Expansion of social services and incorporation of rights into national ideology
The French were forced to respond to growing demands for welfare.
What major program was adopted by the state in 1933?
A major job creation program
This was a response to labor strikes and demonstrations.
What was the impact of WWII on the welfare struggle in the colonial state?
It paused the welfare struggle for two years
The war limited the focus on social demands.
What happened to the French support for social demands in 1938?
It was withdrawn following the rise of a conservative government in France
This shift affected the colonies’ social movements.
What were the key political issues dominating Syria and Lebanon between 1941-43?
Bread supplies and workers’ wages
Independence was seemingly on the back burner during this period.
What significant law did the Lebanese government pass in May 1943?
Guaranteed increases in minimum wage and family allowances for workers
This was a reversal of Vichy policies.
How did the political landscape change after the 1943 elections in Syria and Lebanon?
Nationalists won, but many urban masses did not vote
The victory was not a clear referendum on state welfare.
What characterized the governance of Catroux’s successor, Helleu?
Less enthusiasm for social policy and reliance on brute force
He ignored the demands of elected governments.
What was the outcome of the passage of labor codes in 1946?
Instituted rights like eight-hour workdays, overtime, and minimum wage
This followed extensive labor strikes and demonstrations.
What trend did women’s rights follow in the labor movements?
Women gained more rights tied to labor movements
However, full voting rights were not achieved until the 1950s.
What was the state of education in Syria after the war?
School numbers quadrupled in 15 years
In contrast, Lebanon expanded education less significantly.
What was the impact of the colonial welfare state on the middle and upper classes?
It remained underfunded, with benefits limited for workers
The taxation system disproportionately affected the poor.
What did the colonial welfare state combine?
Direct state intervention with mediated and privatized agencies
This structure limited further development of welfare.
What was the implication of the mandate system for Iraq’s independence?
It was built on the idea that mandates would end when peoples could self-govern
This concept was critical to the discussions around Iraq’s independence.
What did the Cairo conference of March 1921 signify for Iraq?
Britain would support an Arab government in Iraq
This was a shift towards autonomy but maintained the mandate structure.
What was the view of the League of Nations commission regarding Iraqi self-governance?
They were surprised by Britain’s claims of Iraqi readiness for self-rule
The commission expressed skepticism about Iraq’s capacity to govern itself.
What was the reaction of the Kurds to the Anglo-Iraq treaty?
They felt betrayed as the treaty offered no provisions for their autonomy
Previously, the British had guaranteed them autonomy.
What was the British perspective on the Kurds and their ability to self-govern?
They described Kurds as lacking political cohesion necessary for self-government
This view reflected broader imperial attitudes towards non-Europeans.
What was Iraq’s aim regarding its state structure?
To make a centralised state rather than a federation of ethnic republics
